Truck accidents are always scary. When big trucks crash into cars, people often get badly hurt. But when the truck hits a public transportation vehicle like a bus or a city van, things can get even more confusing. These accidents are different because they often involve government groups or big companies that run the buses and vans. That means the rules are not the same as a regular car crash.
You may be dealing with a city bus, a school bus, or even a shuttle that moves people from one place to another. Because these vehicles are used by the public, they follow different safety laws and reporting rules. If a truck hits a bus, many people might be hurt. Some might be kids or elderly passengers. That makes these cases serious and more complicated.
Who Is Responsible After a Crash
After a truck hits a public vehicle, the first question is who caused the accident. Sometimes the truck driver was going too fast or not paying attention. Other times, the driver of the public vehicle may have made a mistake. In some cases, both drivers might have done something wrong.
When public transportation is involved, more people can be blamed. For example, the company that owns the truck may be held responsible. The city or school district that owns the bus may also be involved. If the bus or truck had a problem with the brakes or tires, the company that fixed or made those parts might also be part of the case.
Figuring out who is responsible is a big job. It often takes police reports, witness statements, traffic camera videos, and help from people who understand crash scenes very well. That’s why these cases take time and careful review.
Why These Claims Can Be Harder
If you are hurt in a crash with a public vehicle, your case might take longer than normal. This is because claims against a city, school, or public group have special steps you must follow. In Idaho, if you want to bring a claim against a government group, you have to file something called a notice of tort claim. You must do this very soon after the crash. If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to ask for money at all.
Also, cities and towns often have lawyers ready to protect them. They will try to say the accident was not their fault. Or they may say your injuries are not very bad. This is common in cases with buses and public vans. You have to be ready with facts and proof to show what really happened.
What Types of Injuries Happen
When trucks crash into public vehicles, people can get hurt in many ways. Passengers in buses do not always wear seat belts. Some might be standing. When a crash happens, people can be thrown around inside the bus. They may hit windows, seats, or even other passengers.
The injuries can include broken bones, back and neck problems, cuts, and head injuries. In very bad crashes, someone might be hurt so badly that they can no longer work or take care of themselves. In these cases, the money needed to help them get better can be very high.
Also, not all injuries show up right away. Some people feel okay at first but later find out they have back pain or brain injuries. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor after a crash, even if you feel fine.
What You Can Be Paid For
If the crash was not your fault, you may be able to ask for money to cover what you lost. This can include money for doctor visits, hospital stays, medicine, and therapy. If you missed work because of the crash, you can ask for the money you lost. If you cannot work the same job anymore, you may also be able to ask for money for future lost wages.
People can also ask for payment for pain and suffering. This means the hurt you feel physically and emotionally. Maybe you are scared to ride a bus now. Or maybe your life changed because of your injuries. These things are real and matter too.
If the crash involved a child or someone with special needs, the case may include extra care costs. Families often need help paying for nurses, equipment, or changes to their home. Every case is different, and the type of help you can ask for depends on your own situation.
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Steps to Take After the Crash
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident with a public vehicle, it is important to take action quickly. First, get medical help. Always go to the doctor, even if you think your injuries are small. Some things take days to show up.
Next, try to write down what happened. Take photos of your injuries and of the crash scene if you can. Keep names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Save every paper from the hospital or police.
You should also report the accident to the right group. If it was a city bus, the city may have a form to fill out. If it was a school bus, you might have to call the school district. These steps are very important and often must be done in just a few months. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to ask for money.
Common Questions People Have
People often ask what to do if the truck driver left the scene. That is called a hit and run. In those cases, you may still be able to file a claim with your own insurance. Another question is whether you can sue the city. The answer is yes, but only if you follow the right steps and file the claim on time.
Verdicts & Settlements
People also ask how long these cases take. The truth is that every case is different. Some may be settled in a few months. Others may take over a year, especially if many people were hurt. But it is important to be patient. Getting what you deserve can take time.
What Makes Idaho Law Different
In Idaho, the rules about truck accidents and public vehicles are clear, but they are also strict. If your case involves a government group, the law says you must tell them about your claim within 180 days. That is about six months. If you miss this deadline, you may not be allowed to file a lawsuit at all.
Idaho also has limits on how much money you can get in some cases. These are called damage caps. For example, pain and suffering money might be capped at a certain amount unless the injury was very serious. The good news is that the court still looks at every case carefully.
Another thing to know is that Idaho follows something called comparative fault. This means if you were partly at fault for the crash, your payment might be reduced. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault, you may only get 80 percent of the total money. But even if you were a little at fault, you can still file a claim.
Getting Help When You Need It Most
Truck accident claims involving public transportation vehicles are not easy. They involve different laws, tight deadlines, and many people. If you were hurt in a crash like this, you deserve to have someone on your side who understands how to handle it. That way, you can focus on healing while someone else handles the legal steps.
The time after a crash can be scary and confusing. You might not know what to do or who to trust. That is where good legal help can make a big difference. You should not have to fight the city, a trucking company, and an insurance group all by yourself.
If you or your loved one has been hurt in a truck accident involving a public transportation vehicle, the team at Hepworth Holzer, LLP is here to help. We understand Idaho law and will work to protect your rights. Reach out to us today to talk about your case and find out what steps to take next.
